Secondary Woes and Cincy
September 26, 2014Maybe Josh Gordon really really gets it now. We’ll see.
September 26, 2014LeBron James will be wearing a Cleveland Cavaliers jersey for the first time since 2010. Kyrie Irving will discuss his shiny new contract. Kevin Love and Mike Miller and James Jones will talk about their new teammates. It’s Cavs Media Day 2014, the day many have been waiting for since The Essay, and WFNY will be on location giving you all of the updates, notes, and quotes.
It’s anticipated that more than 300 media members will be in Independence to get a first look at the completely restructured Cavaliers and their litany of stars. It’ll be a little more organized than years past—the chairs and podium are already in place—but that won’t stop us from giving you all the best coverage we can.
So sit back, refresh the page, and follow along with all of our updates as they happen. It’s basketball time.
Scott’s on the scene, but this is Craig and I’ll be updating this as it moves along.
*******************
4:00 PM and that’s a wrap for now…
Thanks for tuning in with us intermittently all day. It was fun to see it all unfold with all the pictures. We’ll leave you with these three…
.@RealTristan13 somehow snagged a selfie with @kevinlove. Impressive. #CavsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/SIXI2GYl0V
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) September 26, 2014
United in #TheLand. #CavsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/UIiK7mNo1H
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) September 26, 2014
And now get out! LeBron’s kicking you out!
That's a wrap from #CavsMediaDay! pic.twitter.com/lFUMMiy9qJ
— NBA (@NBA) September 26, 2014
3:00 PM…
Kyrie Irving for Sportscenter anchor!
Kyrie Irving getting ready for SportsCenter #CavsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/olG7TSowFx
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
Winning NBA championships is like the Pringles advertising campaign for Mike Miller…
Mike Miller on coming to CLE: "It's the Pringles theory—once you win a championship, you don't want to stop." #CavsMediaDay
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
It’s been impossible to understand what actually happened with the Cavaliers over the summer, but pictures like this help make it all a reality.
Mike Miller and Kyrie Irving with David Aldridge #CavsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/N3LNhTT37I
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
Anderson Varejao is the only player that really bridges old LeBron and new LeBron with the Cavaliers. It’s pretty incredible he was never traded when you really think about it.
Andy Varejao on LeBron's return: I was as excited as a little kid who got a gift he had always wanted. #CavsMediaDay
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
Dion Waiters talked a lot about how he practiced the pick and roll for weeks this summer with Kevin Love. That sounds good, but you can always count on Dion saying something that makes you raise an eyebrow.
Waiters says he would also like to play some point guard this season. Rev up that innuendo, folks! #CavsMediaDay
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
2:00 PM… The sights!
LeBron talking with former NBA players Austin Carr, Jim Chones and Brad Sellers. #Cavs pic.twitter.com/wWu5f5TuB4
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) September 26, 2014
Lou Amundson is No.89 and this is awesome. Refs worst nightmare. #CavsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/3Omeok6o2j
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
Gonna take some getting used to. RT @MrMichaelLee: This guy is here, too… pic.twitter.com/fdWUk84mZP
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) September 26, 2014
The new-look Cleveland Cavaliers pose for a team picture. http://t.co/HUsoaBC7zf
— Sporting News NBA (@sn_nba) September 26, 2014
Dion Waiters photoshoot. Someone lost some weight. #CavsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/hT6YFteAhu
— Jason Gibbs (@BGSUGibbs) September 26, 2014
1:40 PM More LeBron, this time with Fred McLeod
LeBron on Kyrie Irving (Paraphrasing): “I thought Kyrie could be the best PG in the world in a couple years. I think I was wrong. I think he could be the best in this league by year’s end.”
LeBron on Dion Waiters: “Dion is going to have one-on-one matchups every game. Won’t have to handle the ball as much. Dion’s very strong and can finish at the rim and I’ve looked at the numbers, one of the best catch-and-shoot two guards we have in our league.”
LeBron on rebounding: “I told Andy, Tristan and Kevin love that we should never lose a rebounding game. (laughs) Between those three. Man.”
LeBron on the dream of a parade in CLE: (paraphrasing) “Of course you have to dream about it. Of course I’ve dreamed about it. The most satisfaction that I could get in my career would be to bring a championship to Cleveland. I won’t say it’s going to happen, but that’s my sole motivation.”
LeBron rocking the "Heart of a Lion" LeBron 12s #CavsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/x0WJkUCbBr
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
1:15 PM Update – Hey everyone, it’s LeBron!
LeBron: (paraphrasing some) “The challenge is to understand we can’t waste any day. It’s going to be tough. We’ve got a new group.”
On David Blatt’s system: “As the days weeks and months go on, I’ll be able to see how it fits me and the team to give my input.”
Important things LeBron learned: “Patience. To be very patient with the process. Everyone always wants to see the end result, but they don’t understand what goes on between the start and finish. So patience…”
On young guys with less big experience: “It’s been a long time since some of these guys played in big games. We have a lot of veterans who have hoisted the trophy before. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my career.”
On leadership: “I’m going to be one of the leaders. That’s what I’m more excited than anything is leading these guys every day.”
On reception in the area: “It’s been well-received. I haven’t been back that long. Traveling. (laughs)
No visible hairline protruding from James' thick, white headband. #CavsMediaDay
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
On the past: “I live in the present. Yesterday’s over with. The future is unknown. I’ve always lived in the present. I don’t shortcut anything. This is day #1 of another campaign. I am extremely excited about it.”
On Wade and Bosh (paraphrasing): “Relationship between LeBron and D-Wade goes beyond basketball. Maybe second only to Carmelo and Chris Paul. Shared experiences like the rookie wall.”
LeBron: There's nothing in this league I haven't seen—nothing. On and off the floor. #CavsMediaDay
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
LeBron asked his kids about going back to CLE. Their response: "You going to play with Kyrie Irving?" #CavsMediaDay
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
Motivation to lose weight: “It had nothing to do with basketball. I should have wrote a letter for that too. (laughs) Every year I challenge myself to do something. Last year I gave up candy. This year, I did this. I’m 29 years old and I can still fly above the rim. I don’t need to do this to do that.”
1:10 PM Update – LeBron’s up next
David Griffin is sometimes a little bit precious or even a bit cheesy, but when he says, “We’re trying to build a family here,” he says so with sincerity. I actually believe him when he says it. Let’s hope he can actually do it.
"We're trying to build a family here." – David Griffin #CavsMediaDay #AllForOne
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) September 26, 2014
David Blatt had an anecdote about what it’s been like to have veterans with big track records who are constantly in and around Cleveland Clinic Courts. Sounds like there’s a whole new maturity level on the Cavaliers as was expected.
Blatt with a terrific anecdote about Shawn Marion and LeBron at CCC late night, getting involved with scheme.
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
Hey everyone! There’s Scott!
Blatt: "I couldn't find a parking place!"
Obviously things have changed a little at Cleveland Clinic Courts…#CavsMediaDay— Nicholas A. Kovach (@TheKovach) September 26, 2014
1:00 Update
David Griffin and David Blatt press conference… David Blatt says he’s like Marvin Gaye… “Let’s get it on!” No, really. That’s what he said.
Griff and Coach Blatt welcoming the circus to town #CavsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/iL1Vwsl38Y
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
Only five players remain from a year ago. That’s some year-over-year change for David Griffin and that goes far beyond just LeBron James.
David Griffin and David Blatt. #cavsmediaday pic.twitter.com/g1027sQaYp
— George Thomas (@ByGeorgeThomas) September 26, 2014
David Griffin says of the roster, “We’re never done” in terms of shaping the roster. Says Celtics trade was about both short and long-term because of contract flexibility.
David Blatt says that names don’t play basketball, teams do. It will take some time for everyone to establish their game and identity. Blatt’s most important note? He says he is going to get maximum commitment from everybody in the entire organization.
Griffin: We has a noisy offseason but we are going to get judged by our results. #CavsMediaDay
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
Blatt on his biggest challenge: I've yet to coach in a 48-minute game. I'll go through my learning curve, but I'm up for the task.
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
12:45 Update
Sportscenter is in the house…
So, SportsCenter is here. As in, physically. #CavsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/PLme2HcSKY
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) September 26, 2014
Everything is earned including the number one spot on ESPN’s power rankings. The Cavaliers have some work to do, apparently.
Jim Chones being interviewed by Moondog…
Jim Chones being "interviewed" by Moondog #CavsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/FnsazTr4Lk
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
So there are a few cameras out there…
Barrage of cameras at #CavsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/IUKXkbrTMM
— .@JohnTelich8 (@JohnTelich8) September 26, 2014
12:30 PM Update
Austin Carr @CavsSircc mascot breaks down Media Day with Austin Carr @mrcavalier34 #cavsmediaday pic.twitter.com/2a3mCjuTck
— Michael Blair (@OHMichaelBlair) September 26, 2014
Updating the Scott Raab story, it appears that despite his attendance that Scott does not have a media credential.
Shuttle service running smoothly at #CavsMediaDay. @ScottRaab64, w/o credentials, greeting media at Harry's steakhouse with Dunkin Donuts.
— Sam Allard (@SceneSallard) September 26, 2014
Here’s Scott’s first picture of the day…
It's on. #CavsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/PCnY00Y8tI
— Scott @ WFNY (@WFNYScott) September 26, 2014
11:35 AM
Even before the event, friend of WFNY, Scott Raab is bringing the donuts to Cavs media day, it appears. (Via his Twitter.)
23 Comments
The downside to living in NC…no coverage.
Mmmmm, Dunkins.
I’m stuck with Krispy Kremes down here. Barf.
See, I’d be worried. When you get that many donuts, Dunkin will ask if you want a variety. This really means “do you want a bunch of the 2nd and 3rd tier kind that nobody else orders. And then you see a bunch of crap and no blueberry cake, boston cremes or choc frosted.
And another thing, Dunkin didnt bring back the Key Lime this summer. SIgh.
Planes, trains, and automobiles. Scott Raab better get my donuts.
It’s on Sportscenter…12:45 pm ET Blatt, 1 PM LBJ.
I like Krispy but Dunkin is da man!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GeT4LfF_Fg
http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/tcfi.gif
And don’t forget his meds, please!
Go get ’em Sgt. Slaughter!
http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/15375.gif
Here is another one that can’t wait teespring.com/lebron-kevin-kyrie
Excellent coverage so far!!!
Can’t believe that NBA TV left the scene as soon as the announcement was made that “Tristan Thompson is up next.” And shouldn’t Blatt have his own parking spot by now?
Raab must have talked to Delonte.
“Planes, trains, and automobiles……better have my do-nuts!!!”
**Edit – i forgot to refresh my feed. NONE of these other donut comments was there!! sorry!!
crap. i just wrote that. i don’t know how i missed this!
Dancing Octotok is so very pleased with the Cavs media coverage today that she will serenade the WFNY guys along with singing the Clerks BEZERKER song when they get done.
https://38.media.tumblr.com/8f669c1edb7885eed15910b44f3c6c2e/tumblr_n0spzjzmbN1s7ccmoo1_500.gif
Love the second photo with the Cavaliers big three! It’s been a long time since a Cleveland sports team featured triplets like them. Lets get it on!
The best pic here is the one of Scott’s media credentials with “Waiting For Next Year” on it. Made me feel proud to be a regular reader here.
Griff talks about wanting to build the Cavs into a family…..but we have already done that at WFNY….and the coverage you guys provide here blows away all other Cleveland sports media.
The conversation begins and ends with Vanilla Kreme.
“Two up, two down…”
What about the one down with US, buddy? Eh? :/
I was at work
Shouldn’t that thing be called “Hexatok”?
Why is Alonzo Gee still in the starting 5 picture? Oh…